These 5 Skills Will Make You a GOOD Player

What Separates Great Football Players from Average Ones

In this video, the presenter discusses five things that separate great football players from average ones. These include taking your first touch into space, receiving the ball on the half-turn, receiving the ball on your back foot, being calm under pressure, and planning ahead.

Taking Your First Touch Into Space

• Good players use their first touch to set themselves up for what they want to do next.

• They touch the ball out so they can run up and hit it if they want to shoot.

• If they want to pass, they touch the ball out to make it easy to pass it.

• They use their first touch to keep the ball moving rather than stopping the ball dead and slowing down the game.

Receiving The Ball On The Half Turn

• Good players turn slightly sideways with their feet staggered when looking to receive a pass.

• This allows them to see both the ball and what's behind them up the field.

• Turning sideways also allows you to see both sides of the field when receiving a horizontal pass coming across.

Receiving The Ball On Your Back Foot

• Good players usually receive the ball with their back foot or foot that's further away from the ball.

• This allows them to go either direction whereas if you receive it with your near foot you can only go one way making you predictable.

Being Calm Under Pressure

• Good players don't panic when under pressure from defenders or in tight situations without much space.

• They look at the situation and choose their best option instead of freezing or wondering what to do.

• These players have good footwork and ball protection skills so they know how to pull away from defenders who dive in.

Planning Ahead

• Great players plan ahead before getting possession of a football by looking around and deciding what they're going to do when they get it.

• This allows them to make a pass or dribble as soon as they receive the ball.